.38 Single Shot Barrel Extractor Assembly

glowe · #1 11-08-2011, 11:47 AM

I have an original unissued 10" .38 target barrel that I would like to use on my 1891 .38 SA, 3rd model and think I have all the parts required to put it in service. Problem is I obtained this barrel with an extractor retainer collar already in place. I need to remove it to get the extractor rod and spring installed, but it appears to be stuck solid. I removed the pin that was supposed to keep it in place, but it will not budge. Can anyone tell me anything about disassembly/assembly of the extractor mechanism on these single shot barrels? Any ideas and suggestions would be appreciated. I have not been able to find any parts diagrams for these single barrels, only Roy Jinks old radiographs that do show the spring, etc.

I have taken a couple of pictures of the retainer in case that helps jog memories.

Gary

Modelof1891 · #2 12-21-2011, 11:39 PM

Good question Gary. I also have tried to remove that same part with no luck. I would think someone out there knows!!

glowe · #3 12-22-2011, 10:55 AM

Another very helpful member sent me a PM and had the same issue. He and I both ended up drilling out the collar and installing a new one. There is not much information out there on these parts, so I will share the photo sent me.

It appears the collar is a press fit with a small pin to keep it from rotating. I had no problem removing the pin, but the collar would not budge. I tried soaking in penetrating oil, tried using a curved punch to try to tap it out from the front, but no luck, so kept drilling with larger sized drill bits until it spun out on the bit. Had to make a new collar and fit it to the barrel and got everything working fine.

rboineau · #4 12-22-2011, 03:01 PM

Looks like drilling might be your only answer, but if it were my piece I would first see if it could be budged with an "L"-shaped hard steel piece secured to a small slide hammer. You could probably grind/modify a high-grade small screw or bolt, leaving just enough head to get through the opening and then catch on the inner edge of the collar Secure the barrel in a well-padded vice and give it some knocks, rotating the contact area inside that sleeve/collar you are trying to get out so the 'pull' is even.

Probably won't move such a tight-fitted piece but won't hurt your barrel if you are careful and don't bugger anything.

Good luck--and remember, these types of projects always go much more smoothly if you make a blood sacrifice to the gun gods--scraping a knuckle or slicing a little skin off somewhere.